Ilocos rock formation

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On the highway to Pagudpud from Laoag City, a left detour somewhere in Burgos, Ilocos Norte is a rustic, dirt road that leads to the South China Sea. On a slope where vehicles cannot pass anymore, tourists get a glimpse of what is about to amaze them. Most would feel the urge to brave the heat of the sun and carefully hop from one rock to another during low tide towards a hill that seems to get brighter every step of the way.

The adventure is a part of the foot trail to the Kapurpurawan rock formation, a hill of white limestone rocks in Burgos, Ilocos Norte. Otherwise known as the Ilocos white rock formation, Kapurpurawn captures the fancy of both old and young alike, thanks to its white marble-like rock surface that shines under the sun.

People say the Kapurpurawan rock formation has been shaped by the tide, or maybe by soil sedimentation as a result of steady commune with nature. Once on top of the rocks, tourists will likewise be amazed by the beauty of the entire surrounding, as the South China Sea merges with the coral shoreline of Burgos. However, caution is advised when moving around the site, to avoid falling flat on hard rocks.

Another site to behold in Burgos is an old light house that stands mightily on Nagparitan hill overlooking the South China Sea. The 20-meter tall Cape Bojeador Lighthouse, first used in 1892, provides a vast view of the Ilocos Norte seascape.

Aside from Pagudpud Beach, another site in close proximity is the Ilocos windmills in the town of Bangui, the town next to Burgos.

Burgos is located at the northern tip of Luzon, some 540 kilometers from Manila. By private vehicle, Burgos can be reached via the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX), the Subic Clark Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) and the national road, from Tarlac all the way to the provinces of Pangasinan, La Union, Ilocos Sur and Ilocos Norte to Laoag City. From Laoag City, it is 45 kilometers further north.

There are buses that ply directly from Manila to Pagudpud which pass Burgos. Another option is to take buses bound for Laoag City, which is about 480 kilometers from Manila. Travel time is more than 10 hours by bus. Domestic airlines also have daily flights to Laoag City. From Laoag City, tourists can hire tricycles to bring them to Burgos.